Eden Prairie Center expands dining options

Eden Prairie Center is gearing up to introduce several additions to its dining options. 

The expansion, as announced on Wednesday, will include a full-service DIY Japanese BBQ, a counter-service ramen joint, an entirely gluten-free fast food restaurant, and an Italian coffee kiosk.

“We’re delighted to announce an eclectic mix of new restaurants coming to Eden Prairie Center this year,” stated Nancy Litwin, Eden Prairie Center’s senior general manager. “We pride ourselves on having a diverse range of tenants to enhance visitors’ overall shopping, dining, and entertainment experience at Eden Prairie Center, and with these additions, we’re certain there’s something for everyone.”

Dual concept Japanese cuisine: Gyu Mai Japanese BBQ and Ichiddo Ramen

In the mall’s entertainment wing, a dual-concept Asian eatery will soon occupy a 7,996-square-foot street-front space. This area will be divided to accommodate two separate restaurant concepts.

The first concept, Gyu Mai Japanese BBQ, will be a full-service restaurant offering do-it-yourself Japanese yakiniku barbecue. Yakiniku, which translates to “grilled meat” in Japanese, provides an interactive grilling experience where guests cook their meats and vegetables on personal grills installed at their tables.

The other portion of the space will operate as Ichiddo Ramen, a Minnesota-based Japanese noodle restaurant. Ichiddo Ramen will serve authentic ramen noodle soups, gyoza, buns, and other Japanese specialties in a fast-casual, counter-service environment.

The entertainment wing of the mall already features various dining options and an 18-screen AMC Theatre. Both restaurants are targeted to open in December.

Gluten-free fast food: Where’s The Flour?

Adding to its selection of quick-serve dining options, Where’s The Flour? (WTF?), a fast-food restaurant entirely gluten-free and safe for those with celiac disease, will open in the mall’s food court this summer.

Following a thorough cleaning process to eliminate contaminants, WTF? will move its Blaine location to Eden Prairie.

WTF? offers a wide variety of gluten-free breaded and fried comfort foods, such as cheese curds, fried pickles, fried chicken and fish sandwiches, and delectable dessert crepes.

With a space of 808 square feet in the upper-level food court of Eden Prairie Center, WTF? is scheduled to open on July 1.

Italian coffee kiosk: Café Viola

In June, Café Viola will open, offering a wide selection of caffeinated beverages to help energize mall shoppers.

The café will serve barista-made specialties and nitro cold brew made exclusively with Lavazza beans, a brand that has been roasting and grinding espresso beans in Italy for over 120 years.

In addition, Café Viola will offer chai, a variety of teas, pastries, wraps, sandwiches, yogurt parfaits, and packaged Lavazza coffee beans for purchase.

Occupying a 252-square-foot kiosk in the common area of Eden Prairie Center’s lower level, Café Viola is set to open in mid-June.